Crusaders confirm SA squad, Read to remain at home

Head Coach Todd Blackadder has named his squad to travel to South Africa and Australia for rounds 7, 8 and 9 of the Investec Super Rugby 2013 tournament.

There are twenty-six Crusaders travelling in total, with two notable exceptions from the squad.

The first is first five-eighth Daniel Carter. Carter will not travel with the squad due to the imminent arrival of his first child.

The second is number eight Kieran Read. Read suffered an injury to his right foot during Saturday's game against the Southern Kings. Scans have shown a partial tear of ligaments under his big toe. Read is expected to be out of the game for a minimum of four weeks.

Head Coach Todd Blackadder said 'It is hugely disappointing that Kieran cannot join the team to South Africa. He has been playing some brilliant rugby this season and it is unfortunate that this injury will keep him out of the game.'

Read will stay in Christchurch to focus on his rehabilitation while Jordan Taufua joins his team mates in Cape Town. Vice captain George Whitelock will take up the captaincy role in Reads absence.